Perfectly Restored 1966 Dodge HEMI Coronet Convertible Is Rarer Than Hen's Teeth

Introduced on production cars in 1966, the street-spec version of the iconic 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 remained on the options list through 1971. But despite its six-year run, the high-performance mill barely hit a five-digit production output.

The jury is still out on exactly how many engines were built. However, most estimates range between 9,000 to as many as 10,900 units. That's fewer than 2,000 examples per year on average and low enough to turn the HEMI into one of the rarest and most desirable classic V8 engines out there.

Which model year is the rarest? That would have to be 1971. The HEMI was already on its way out, and the high insurance rates for performance cars kept many enthusiasts away from the 426. Dodge and Plymouth sold fewer than 400 HEMI cars that year. For some reason, 1967 was also a slow year for the HEMI.

At the other end of the spectrum, the 1966 model year moved most HEMI-powered Mopar. Not surprisingly, given that it was the engine's first year in showrooms. Chrysler sold some 3,300 vehicles, almost a third of all HEMI production over six years. But that doesn't mean 1966 HEMI Mopars aren't rare.

That year, the Plymouth Satellite was the most popular choice among HEMI enthusiasts, with almost 850 examples sold. However, only 27 of them were ordered with convertible tops. The same goes for the 

Belvedere II, with only 10 out of almost 700 units fitted with soft tops. The Coronet line, which moved more than 700 vehicles with HEMI V8s, also spawned only 27 convertibles. The EE1 Dark Blue example you see here is one of those cars.

While 27 units are enough to turn a car into a super scarce gem, this Coronet is actually rarer than a hen's teeth. It's pretty much a one-of-one classic thanks to its trim and color combo. Specifically, the bucket seats hint this drop-top is a Coronet 500 trim, which narrows production down to only 21 examples. The automatic transmission makes it even rarer, as only nine cars were equipped with this drivetrain setup.

But wait, there's more! Take a closer look at the car, and you'll notice that the interior and the soft top are also 

dark blue, just like the paint. This layout turns it into a triple blue car, most likely the only one that left the factory with a 426 under the hood. The blue line tires are also a rare touch, as 1966 was the only year this tiny detail could be paired with the HEMI V8.

On top of being a unicorn, this Mopar also looks the part from every angle, thanks to a recent restoration. The dark blue paint shines like new, the interior is squeaky clean, and all the chrome trim is where it should be. And not only does the engine bay look like the car just rolled off the assembly line, but this Coronet can also brag about a numbers-matching HEMI. It just doesn't get better than this!